• TTAP leaders claim Rs5.3tr corruption, ask govt to come clean
• Zubair says those involved in sugar scandal being protected; Jhagra alleges economic policies controlled by ‘a small group’

ISLAMABAD: In light of a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that highlighted persistent corruption challenges in the country, the opposition parties have called for a probe into the “worst financial scandal of Pakistan’s history” and clarification from the government over its attempts to delay the report’s release.

Leaders of the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Aiyeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) made these demands while addressing a press conference at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad on Saturday. They also alleged that the IMF report identified corruption to the tune of Rs5,300 billion in the governance system of Pakistan. They also termed it the “worst financial scandal” of Pakistan’s history and demanded that the names of those involved in corruption be made public.

The opposition leaders also demanded an explanation from the prime minister on the report and identified those involved in these corrupt practices.

Former PML-N leader Mohammad Zubair Umar alleged that the IMF report was disclosed by the government after immense pressure from the money lender. He said it should be probed where these Rs5,300 billion had gone. He alleged that the Special Investment Faci­lit­ation Council (SIFC) awarded contracts to its blue-eyed contractors, claiming those who were involved in the sugar scandal were also protected.

Zubair Umar, former Sindh governor and an economic expert, said that 240 million people were suffering because of the policy failures of the current government. He said that the gap between the rich and the poor was continuously increasing. He said the report was published because it was a precondition for the release of the next loan tranche by the IMF.

PTI’s Taimur Khan Jhagra claimed that the government’s economic policies were being controlled by a small group which comprised political, bureaucratic, and non-political persons. He said that Basic Pay Scale (BPS)-22 officers, who have become unaccountable, should feel embarrassed over the report.

He said the 186-page IMF report even exposed the National Account­ability Bureau (NAB) as it claimed that the NAB was working under the influence of the political setup. He said NAB should be asked about the Rs5,300 billion corruption and arrests in this regard.

He also criticised the 27th Amendment, alleging that the judiciary had been weakened due to this. He said that it was unfortunate that the judges would be transferred without their consent. Mr Jhagra claimed that the weak judicial system was the major hurdle in foreign investments, as no one can trust the justice system in Pakistan.

He said that it was unfortunate that the Supreme Court was no longer supreme, as there was a court above it. He claimed the judges would be transferred to Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan, or even Kashmir if they refused to follow instructions.

He said the IMF has demanded transparency, which means that no public servant can get lifetime immunity. He also demanded that accountability should be across the board and no one should be above the law.

Mr Jhagra also said that the process of privatisation, which was started during the tenure of PTI, could not be completed. He also criticised the IMF, saying that the financial body did not look into the conduct of the Election Commission of Pakistan, which allegedly converted 17 seats into 180.

The IMF report, publication of which is a precondition for the IMF executive board’s approval of a $1.2 billion disbursement next month, estimated that Pakistan could boost economic growth by about 5 to 6.5 per cent over five years if it implements a package of governance reforms beginning within the next three to six months.

It also sought an end to special treatment for a few influential public sector entities in direct government contracts and transparency in the affairs and decision-making of the Special Investment Facilitation Council.

It further recommended tighter limits on the government’s financial powers without greater parliamentary oversight and streamlining of anti-corruption agencies.

The government had been delaying the publication of the report since August.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2025